Edmonds-Woodway High School Female Athlete of the Month: Fatou Jatta
As a senior, Fatou Jatta has been on the Edmonds-Woodway track team for four years. A role model and leader among her peers, Fatou was selected as team captain this year. It has been an honor for her to be part of such a great team, and she especially appreciates the guidance and support of her coaches.
“One thing I love about track is that it is a mental sport. You have to be mentally strong to push yourself,” she said. “The second thing I love about Edmonds-Woodway track is that our coaches are amazing at what they do. They believe in us more than we believe in ourselves.”
Fatou shared one particular moment from her junior year that influenced her and taught her the importance of a positive mental attitude. She felt she was not running her best and could not understand why. It was then that Coach Filman told Fatou that while she was working hard, she did not believe in herself. “After that conversation with him, I started to believe,” she said. “It changed a lot of things for me.” It was then her times improved.
Fatou shared her plans to either attend Linfield College or Central Washington University in the fall. She plans to study criminal justice and also hopes to continue running track at the collegiate level.
